Printing stickers is a very common practice, and people print stickers for many reasons. Some use them for business branding, while others use them for events like weddings, birthdays, and church programs. Stickers can be used on packaging, bottles, cars, books, and even for decoration. Because stickers are now in high demand, many people are beginning to ask one simple question: Is it cheaper to print your stickers yourself?
This question might seem funny to some, but it’s actually a very thoughtful question, especially if you are trying to save money. Many small business owners, students, and event planners want to reduce costs. But printing your stickers may or may not be cheaper depending on different things.
Printing your stickers yourself can be cheaper in the long run, especially if you print large quantities regularly. But it comes with setup costs, maintenance, and learning. On the other hand, printing at a shop may cost more per sticker, but it saves you time and stress.
For most Nigerians, especially small business owners who print in bulk often, it can make sense to print their stickers themselves. But you need to be ready for the setup cost and work involved. However, if you just need a few stickers for events or occasional business use, it’s better and cheaper to go to a printing shop.
What You Need To Print Stickers By Yourself
Before you think about printing your stickers, you need to know what you need. Sticker printing is not just about having a printer. It also involves other tools and materials. Below are the things you need to print your stickers at home or in your office:
1. A Good Printer
Not every printer can print stickers. You will need an inkjet or laser printer that can handle sticker paper. Both Laser & Inkjet printers are common to come by, and many people use them for printing photos and designs. Although laser printers are more expensive, but prints better for high-quality prints.
2. Sticker Paper
This is the special paper used to print stickers. It comes in different types. Some are glossy, some are matte, and some are transparent. The type you choose depends on what you want the stickers to look like.
3. Ink or Toner
You will need to buy ink for inkjet printers or toner for laser printers. These are not cheap and will need to be replaced often if you print many stickers.
4. Cutting Tools
After printing, you will need to cut your stickers. You can use scissors, a razor blade, or a paper cutter. For round or special shapes, you may need a craft cutter like a Cricut or Silhouette machine, but those are very expensive.
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5. Design Software
You need a way to design your stickers. Some people use Canva, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or Adobe Illustrator. Canva is free and easy to use, but the others may need a subscription or a one-time purchase.
6. Electricity and Maintenance
In Nigeria, where the power supply is not always stable. You may need a generator, an inverter, or a powerful power bank to run your printer. Also, printers can develop faults, and maintaining them will cost money.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up and Print Your Stickers
Now let’s talk about the real cost of printing stickers by yourself. The prices below are based on average prices you can find in Nigeria:
1. Printer cost: A good and small inkjet printer costs around N70,000 to N150,000. A laser printer can cost between N180,000 and N400,000, depending on the brand and quality.
2. Sticker paper: A pack of 20 A4 glossy sticker papers can cost between N3,000 and N6,000. That’s about N150 to N300 per sheet.
3. Ink or toner cost: One full ink cartridge set can cost between N20,000 to N50,000, depending on the brand. If you print a lot, you will use more ink often.
4. Cutting tools: A simple paper cutter costs between N5,000 and N15,000. Scissors are cheaper, but not good for many stickers.
5. Software: Canva has a free version. CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator are not. Buying CorelDRAW can cost over N100,000 as a one-time payment or around N20,000 yearly.
6. Electricity and maintenance: Fuel for the generator, repairs, servicing, and replacing printer parts will also cost money over time.
So if you add all these costs, setting up your sticker printing may cost you over N100,000 to N300,000 at the beginning. This is only for setup. You will still spend more as you print.
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Let’s Compare Printing Stickers At Printing Shops
Let us now look at what it costs to print stickers at a printing shop. In most Nigerian cities, printing shops are everywhere. You can walk into one and get your stickers printed fast.
Here are the average costs:
1. A4 sticker printing: One A4 glossy sticker print costs between N150 to N300.
2. Bulk printing: If you are printing in large numbers (like 50 to 100 sheets), the price per sheet can be reduced to about N80 to N150.
3. Special designs and cuts: If you want the stickers to be cut in round or special shapes, the shop may charge extra for cutting, usually N20 to N100 per sheet, depending on the shape.
4. Design fees: If you don’t have a ready design, you may pay the designer N3,000 to N5,000, depending on the complexity.
So if you are printing 50 A4 sticker sheets, you may spend between N4,000 and N7,500, excluding design. You don’t need to buy any tools, paper, or ink. The shop takes care of everything.
So, When Is It Cheaper To Print Stickers Yourself?
Now that we have compared the two sides, let us answer the big question: Is it cheaper to print your own stickers yourself?
The answer is: It depends on the number of stickers you want to print and how often you print them.
Here are some examples:
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1. If you print stickers once in a while: maybe for a birthday, a small business promo, or a one-time event, then it is cheaper to use a printing shop. You will not need to buy any tools or paper. You just pay for what you want, and that’s all.
2. If you print regularly or in bulk: If you run a business where you print stickers every week, like for packaging or branding, then printing by yourself may be cheaper over time. But this is only true if you already have the expertise, printer, and tools.
3. If you already own a printer: If you already have a good printer at home, then you only need to buy sticker paper and maybe some cutting tools. This can save you money if you print often.
4. If you want full control: Sometimes, people want full control of the design, quality, and timing. Printing at home gives you this. You don’t need to wait for printing shops. This is not about saving money, but saving time and getting exactly what you want.
